Books are to be distinguished by the grandeur of their topics even more than by the manner in which they are treated.

Let a man take time enough for the most trivial deed, though it be but the paring of his nails. The buds swell imperceptibly, without hurry or confusion,--as if the short spring days were an eternity.

My life is like a stroll upon the beach.

Not till we are completely lost, or turned round, do we appreciate the vastness and strangeness of Nature.

Law never made men a whit more just.

The object of love expands and grows before us to eternity, until it includes all that is lovely, and we become all that can love.

This was sheer idleness to my fellow-townsmen, no doubt; but if the birds and flowers had tried me by their standard, I should not have been found wanting. A man must find his occasions in himself, it is true. The natural day is very calm, and will hardly reprove his indolence.